Pumpkin Festival 2008

It is a Berndsen Family tradition to attend the Minges Pumpkin Festival in the Fall each year. We were excited to go this year to look for new decorations and accessories for our new home, though we were surprised to learn how much Elliana wanted to buy!

First she begged me for the hot ear of steamed corn with butter. Given I was a little hungry, I surely wasn't going to deprive her of some vegetables! After that was gone, she kicked for some funnel cakes, which by the way both T.J. and I have to agree were by far the best funnel cake we have ever had! It was extra thick and crispy and we seriously discussed going back for another one. But...we don't want to spoil her (not yet anyway) so we decided against it.


After browsing a few more craft tents and discussing a few potential purchases, she began moving about everytime we passed the Homemade Root Beer and Kettle Corn stand. Thinking it was just a fluke, we waited in the long line and sure enough she kicked the entire time. So, being the good parents we are trying to be...we bought some of that too.


Overall, this past weekend was a new experience for us at the Minges Pumpkin Festival. We are already looking forward to going again next year and actually watching her experience it all for the first time, rather than just feeling her experience it from within my belly. This past weekend was the first time that we have ever attended, and only purchased food. As I like to say, it has to be Elliana, because I know I never ate this much before I met her :)

Fall Fun

A few weeks ago, we had our first trees in our new yard delivered and installed. It is truly amazing what a difference a little bit of nature has added to our bare lot.

Although our house felt like our home months ago, the addition of our new trees has truly begun to complete the package. We are already enjoying the beautiful fall foilage and the shade that our new Maple trees have to offer.

I just thought I would share a quick picture of the proud tree owners enjoying a bit of nature...in our own front yard :)

Those Darn Watermelon Seeds

Well last time I wrote about Ashley, I had thought maybe she was just carrying a deflated basketball under her shirt. Now, however, I’ve abandoned that idea and think I’ve figured out what is really happening.

We all remember those hot summers at the pool, right? At some point, someone decides to mix swimming with a watermelon. But it isn’t the swimming and watermelon I’m focused on here, but rather the point after swimming with the watermelon where the watermelon is cut up and everyone takes a slice.

I think every kid thinks, while eating this slice of watermelon, “What happens if I swallow a seed?” Well kids, this is what you get :

I know what your thinking, mom and dad said that wasn’t possible, but I now have proof. So kids, take it from me and my beautiful wife, DON'T EAT THOSE DARN WATERMELON SEEDS!

Blessed and Thankful

It seems everywhere that I turn nowdays that we are bombarded with depressing news and stories of economic and political turmoil. So, I wanted to take this moment to reflect on the many blessings that we have in our lives, and express my gratitude for each and every one of them!

First of all, I am incredibly grateful for my wonderful husband. Several years ago, I laid awake at night and prayed for a man that would someday be my husband. I never imagined that I would be blessed with T.J. who exceeded every expectation. God delivered T.J. at just the right moment in my life, and sometimes I feel that he was truly designed just to complete me, and I to complete him. I love the little jokes that only the two of us understand and the silent language that we have developed over the years. I love how supportive he is of my goals, and I pray each day that I can always be the wife that he needs and deserves. I love seeing the excitement in his eyes when we discuss our future role of parenthood, and I can hardly wait to create new memories with this wonderful man for the rest of my life. So..I guess I just want to say thank you Lord for giving me this incredible man!

I am grateful for our families, and am amazed at how each set of parents (yes, we have three) offers us different ways to love and serve one another. I am grateful for their support throughout the years and the love that they shower us with.

Our little girl, who is due in just 88 days! I am so incredibly thankful that we were chosen to be her parents, and we can hardly wait to meet this little munchkin who loves to roll around and kick her mommy. We can hardly wait to watch her personality unfold and see the characteristics of her parents unfold. Just last night, T.J. and I were talking of all of the fun we will have with her activities and how much we are already looking forward to dance classes, soccer, baseball and anything else that she might be interested in. I am grateful that my wonderful hubby has started her room, and that we can already imagine rocking her to sleep each night.

I am grateful for our friends, whose support and advice have helped us in many ways. I hope that T.J. and I are also a blessing to each and every one of you!

Okay, so I don't have room on this tiny blog to mention every single blessing that I am grateful for, but I do hope that our actions will demonstrate our "attitude of gratitude" throughout or lives. Also, I do want to state that it is hard to put the few items above in order, so let me just say that these items are in no particular order because I couldn't imagine my life without a single one of them!

Our Little Girl

On Monday we went for another ultrasound and were amazed at how big our little girl has become all of a sudden! It was just 5 weeks since our last glimpse inside my belly, and it was truly amazing to see the little face and cheeks that have formed on our daughter. We got a kick out of seeing her stick her tongue out at us as we watched her dance and move within me.

In this picture you can see her face, eyes, and little cheeks as she lay on her side in my belly. It's incredible how just a few weeks ago she looked so much like a skeleton, and now she looks like a newborn. I am already looking forward to holding her in my arms and looking into those eyes that show themselves for the first time in this picture.

The past few weeks she has been very active and loves to kick her Mommy throughout the day and night. I love her little kicks and look forward to each and every one! Though I must admit I like it most when she kicks her Daddy's hand as he talks to her. There is just something about seeing them interact, even at this young stage of life, that warms my heart and fills me with excitement and joy over everything that parenthood will bring.

We are quickly approaching the 100 day mark until our little girl is due to arrive. Until then, we will eagerly await meeting her and continue to take care of in every way we can think of.

I guess it is true what our parents always said..."You can't understand the love a parent has for their child until you are a parent yourself." I think it is safe to say, that T.J. & I now understand and are loving this new love.